In the latest study, published online today by the Annals of the Rheumatic Disease journal, researchers used data from two US studies to conclude eating more fibre was associated with a lower risk of painful knee osteoarthritis.

In one study, the risk was 30 per cent lower among those eating more fibre. In the other, there was 60 per cent less chance of developing the condition.

One of the studies also found that those who had a high cereal fibre intake had a significantly lower risk of developing general worsening knee pain.